http://defensetech.org/2009/09/30/the-throw-bot/ The Future of the Military, Law Enforcement and National Security Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:40:07 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 http://defensetech.org/2009/09/30/the-throw-bot/#comment-94024 Kevin Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:15:37 +0000 http://deftech.usmilblog.com/2009/09/30/the-throw-bot/#comment-94024 We used one of these in Iraq in 04-05. Used it to check out suspected IEDs. So its been out for a while. We used one of these in Iraq in 04–05. Used it to check out suspected IEDs. So its been out for a while.

]]> http://defensetech.org/2009/09/30/the-throw-bot/#comment-94023 freefallingbomb Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:27:49 +0000 http://deftech.usmilblog.com/2009/09/30/the-throw-bot/#comment-94023 "1,2 lbs", huh? Can it defend itself against being picked up by the enemy and being thrown into a trash bin? “1,2 lbs”, huh?
Can it defend itself against being picked up by the enemy and being thrown into a trash bin?

]]> http://defensetech.org/2009/09/30/the-throw-bot/#comment-94022 Jeff M Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:40:08 +0000 http://deftech.usmilblog.com/2009/09/30/the-throw-bot/#comment-94022 I like these really simple and easy to use systems. Definitely the most useful room clearing device I've seen, the fact that it can be thrown is both simpler and much more practical some larger, funky shaped device that can crawl up stairs. The control is the best part I think, that is the simplest control device ever. The only improvements I can suggest are a smaller more efficient controller with an internal patch antenna and lipo battery (thinking i-phone sized, but keep the joystick) and to give the thing more speed, piezoelectric gyro for stabilization (no getting disoriented after high speed wall-bumps) and maybe a button that flings it into the air for obstacle avoidance, by using that little rear foot. I like these really simple and easy to use systems. Definitely the most useful room clearing device I’ve seen, the fact that it can be thrown is both simpler and much more practical some larger, funky shaped device that can crawl up stairs. The control is the best part I think, that is the simplest control device ever.
The only improvements I can suggest are a smaller more efficient controller with an internal patch antenna and lipo battery (thinking i-phone sized, but keep the joystick) and to give the thing more speed, piezoelectric gyro for stabilization (no getting disoriented after high speed wall-bumps) and maybe a button that flings it into the air for obstacle avoidance, by using that little rear foot.

]]> http://defensetech.org/2009/09/30/the-throw-bot/#comment-94021 Sgt Oblat Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:17:55 +0000 http://deftech.usmilblog.com/2009/09/30/the-throw-bot/#comment-94021 Also known as the magical grenade converter - you throw into the room a $10,000 toy and out pops a $4 grenade. Endless fun. Also known as the magical grenade converter -
you throw into the room a $10,000 toy and out pops a $4 grenade. Endless fun.

]]> http://defensetech.org/2009/09/30/the-throw-bot/#comment-94020 Brian Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:18:08 +0000 http://deftech.usmilblog.com/2009/09/30/the-throw-bot/#comment-94020 Most of the cost is probably the control doohickey. I don't think it needs to be able to climb stairs. You can just throw it up there to the top. I think the whole idea is to just give guys sort of a floating eyeball so they can see what is down that hallway, in the next room, etc. You don't need it to be completely autonomous. Most of the cost is probably the control doohickey.
I don’t think it needs to be able to climb stairs. You can just throw it up there to the top.
I think the whole idea is to just give guys sort of a floating eyeball so they can see what is down that hallway, in the next room, etc. You don’t need it to be completely autonomous.

]]> http://defensetech.org/2009/09/30/the-throw-bot/#comment-94019 Marcase Wed, 30 Sep 2009 22:07:53 +0000 http://deftech.usmilblog.com/2009/09/30/the-throw-bot/#comment-94019 Neat design, not really sure if it's G.I. practical though. Looks like it's confined to very short range use and primarily for room-clearing - for which it would be really good. Short range because it is a (first) floor-hugger; it can't climb stairs. Outside it may get blinded or hung up in grass, mud or blocked by a curb/sidewalk. Anyone who ever cleared a quala may understand what I mean. OTOH, if cheap enough, seed these by the dozens via UAVs to gather visual intel (for LZs for example). Neat design, not really sure if it’s G.I. practical though.
Looks like it’s confined to very short range use and primarily for room-clearing — for which it would be really good. Short range because it is a (first) floor-hugger; it can’t climb stairs.
Outside it may get blinded or hung up in grass, mud or blocked by a curb/sidewalk. Anyone who ever cleared a quala may understand what I mean.
OTOH, if cheap enough, seed these by the dozens via UAVs to gather visual intel (for LZs for example).

]]> http://defensetech.org/2009/09/30/the-throw-bot/#comment-94018 Al George Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:32:10 +0000 http://deftech.usmilblog.com/2009/09/30/the-throw-bot/#comment-94018 13 grand though? I hope to God you get more than one when you buy that thing. I said this when I found out the Marine ITV growler/motor towing jeep cost $200 grand (or $1 million per unit with the motor as wikipedia is saying)...."a bunch of engineering students with 20 grand in university grants and corporate sponsors could put this thing together as a senior year design project." 13 grand though?
I hope to God you get more than one when you buy that thing. I said this when I found out the Marine ITV growler/motor towing jeep cost $200 grand (or $1 million per unit with the motor as wikipedia is saying).…“a bunch of engineering students with 20 grand in university grants and corporate sponsors could put this thing together as a senior year design project.”

]]> http://defensetech.org/2009/09/30/the-throw-bot/#comment-94017 Charles Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:04:48 +0000 http://deftech.usmilblog.com/2009/09/30/the-throw-bot/#comment-94017 Cool stuff. Works well in room-to-room, but one for field would be good as well. A camera, thrown into the air, deploy a chute (or a balloon, depending on how long you want it up) and generally float around and broadcast video feed. If you're feeling generous, devise a steering system? (Either with fans or attaching flaps to "glide".) Cool stuff.
Works well in room-to-room, but one for field would be good as well. A camera, thrown into the air, deploy a chute (or a balloon, depending on how long you want it up) and generally float around and broadcast video feed. If you’re feeling generous, devise a steering system? (Either with fans or attaching flaps to “glide”.)

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